Obituary

Abstract

George Dewey Purvis Jr. MD, died at his home in Jackson, Mississippi on July 2, 2011 (Fig. 1). He is survived by his wife Janet, four sons and daughters-in-law, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Fig. 1 George Dewey Purvis Jr. MD. (Photograph published with courtesy of JM Purvis MD.) As a young boy, he had a severe infection develop in his leg and was transferred to Memphis, Tennessee, for treatment at the Campbell Clinic (Fig. 2). His experience and the care he received at Campbell Clinic influenced his desire to become an orthopaedic surgeon. He graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Medicine and trained in surgery at the Universities of Iowa and Michigan before returning to Campbell Clinic as a fellow in orthopaedics in 1947. In 1950, George returned to Jackson, Mississippi, and entered solo practice. He and others later formed the Central Orthopaedic Clinic, where he practiced until 1990. Fig. 2 A young George Purvis was treated at Campbell Clinic in Memphis for a severe leg infection. (Photograph published with courtesy of JM Purvis MD.) George was an active member of numerous professional organizations and held many leadership positions, including the presidencies of the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons in 1976, the Mississippi Orthopaedic Society, and the Mid-America Orthopaedic Association. He was the first surgeon from Mississippi to join the American Orthopaedic Association. He also was a member of the Board of Councilors of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. George also contributed his time and services to the Mississippi Crippled Children’s Service and the State Hospital at Whitfield. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and golf, bridge, travel, and photography. Although he was a “high-tech” orthopaedic surgeon during his career, he will be remembered for his warm and caring personality by his patients and peers.